Diamondbacks and White Sox in Tucson for benefit game

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Major League Baseball is making its way back into Tucson Monday.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will take on the Chicago White Sox at Kino Stadium, but it's not your typical spring training game.

Stadium crews spent hours Sunday prepping for the big event, created in honor of the January 8 shooting victims.

About 7,000 fans will pack into Kino Stadium for the return of Major League Baseball in Tucson. It's all to benefit the Christina Taylor-Green memorial fund.

"The Green family is heavily involved in baseball and this is just one small thing we could do to help future members of the Tucson community," said James Jensen-Tucson Padres Director of Sales.

Maintenance crews worked through the afternoon Sunday to prep the field for Monday's game when the Arizona Diamondbacks will take on the Chicago White Sox.

Twenty-five Diamondbacks players will return to their fans in Tucson. Fans who are still trying to heal from the mass shooting that killed six people.

"I think it's going to be great, just to show our appreciation and show how we feel about everything, how we feel about the state of Arizona," said Diamondbacks First-baseman Brandon Allen.

The field maintenance crew welcomes the 13 to 14 hours of prep time. Not only are they glad Major League Baseball has made its way back to the Old Pueblo, they're happy to help the community in the healing process.

"We have a nice facility here, we're glad somebody is going to be using it," said Kino Stadium Maintenance Supervisor Jimmy Rosthenhausler.

Crews plan to take care of a few finishing touches Monday morning. They'll do whatever it takes to make sure this game is a big win for the Tucson community.

"Hopefully the general public comes out and makes this a success," said Rosthenhausler.

The Diamondbacks and White Sox take the field at 1:05. Doors opened at 11 A.M.

And the Diamondbacks will be back at Kino Stadium later this month for another benefit game, this one against the Dodgers. It's set for march 25, also at 1:05 P.M.

Call the Kino Stadium box office at 434-1367 for tickets.
Proceeds for that game will benefit the Tucson together fund.